A FIELD of 75 riders will tackle the inaugural Stella Farrell Exmoor GP 50-mile cycle race on Sunday.

Promoted by Minehead Cycling Club, it will start and finish at Wheddon Cross.

The race takes its name from Minehead resident Stella Farrell, who was a prolific racer in the 1940s and 1950s when woman’s racing was in its infancy.

She became a multiple national champion and record holder in time trials and on the track.

Now almost 90, Stella will be supporting the race and presenting the prizes.

The race is on a hilly circuit and starts at 9.30am, heading from Wheddon Cross to Luckwell Bridge and then up the steep climb to the top of Church Hill at Exford.

A sharp left turn takes the riders downhill for over six miles through Winsford to join the main road, and a long drag back up to Wheddon Cross culminates in the finish at Moorlands Hall after four laps.

The winner is expected to finish at around 11.30am, with all riders completing the race by 11.45am.

Disruption to traffic should be minimal as the race will be tightly controlled by accredited motorcycle marshals to ensure the safety of both riders and other road users.

A star-studded field of 75 riders will contest the race, with local hopes resting on the Minehead-sponsored team of Tanks Direct, whose Graham “Conker” Collins is a hot favourite.

Expected to be in contention is Exmoor Bikes of Minehead owner Mark Gibbs, who will have the opportunity to race for the special prize provided by himself for the first rider to cross the line at the end of lap three.

Riders from outside of the area included ex-Team Sky professional Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, who although now only riding for enjoyment is expected to finish high up the finishing list.

Another noteworthy rider is ex- mountain bike champion Sam Humphreys.

A generous prize list and support is being provided by Minehead businesses Neil Arnold Tyres, Exmoor Bikes, Tanks Direct and Stuart Lowen Butchers and Farm Shop, as well as the cycling club itself.

The race is also being supported by the local Wheddon Cross business community, whilst British Cycling has been instrumental in ensuring the event can go ahead. Additional help has given by Huish Design and Marketing.

It is hoped the race will become an annual event to run alongside the successful Tanks Direct Porlock Hill Climb, also promoted by Minehead Cycling Club, which this year takes place on Sunday September 25.

This has established itself as a prestige event attracting both male and female national champions and Olympic riders and is part of the Devon and Somerset Festival of cycling.

l Taking place at the same time will be a series of races around the Wheddon Cross Sports Ground for six to 16 year olds, run by Minehead Merlins Under 16s Cycling Club.